fashionSERIES RAW
fashionSERIES Fashion Series is an electronic publication entirely dedicated to discovering, showcasing and promoting Toronto’s emerging and established fashion industry professionals. Our mission is to provide a distinct platform for fashion photographers, models, designers, wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, bloggers, and illustrators through visual series and exclusive interviews. Fashion Series will highlight these rising stars by encouraging and unveiling their talents in the form of a cohesive photographic collection. In addition, via exclusive interviews, we aim to yield some background information about the showcased artist, the artist’s intention, technical specification, an indication of their work’s historical and theoretical context - and, at the same time, provide our readers with an invaluable insight into the world of fashion visualization.
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THE TEAM CEO/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mehreen Hussain SENIOR EDITOR Meagan Enciso WRITERS Aaren FitzGerald Brian Henderson Jaskirat Gebi Kathlyn Rose Pema Tsering Sarah St. Jules STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Mugunthan Ganesan Polk Liang Shamas Chaudhry ASSISTANT TO EDITOR IN CHIEF Aiysha Khan Fatima Idris Nadia Khan
COVER IMAGE CREDITS Polk Liang, photographer Jeya Singh, featured makeup artist Tasha Farington, stylist Kelleth Cuthbert, model
Ashley hartman
jeya singh
erin molly fitzpatrick
nigel hamid
cristofer carrado
felicia atanasiu
ASHLEY HARTMAN Pema Tsering
“Stylists bring their visions to the mainstream.” From a young age, Ashley Hartman was destined to have a future in the world of fashion. From styling new outfits for her Barbie to spending days creating her own line for handbags, Hartman knew she had a purpose in the exciting realm of fashion. Why a stylist? Well, a trip to New York City is all that was needed to instantly inspire the creative mind. It was this trip that encouraged her to do absolutely anything to become a stylist one day. Hartman got her chance to start styling professionally when a friend contacted her after a stylist was unable to show up to a photo shoot. “The stylist was Luis Zulayhka and from that day on I apprenticed with him. I can’t thank him enough for giving me that opportunity. A lot of credit goes to him for helping me get where I am today.” The first shoot with Zulayhka opened many doors for Hartman giving her the opportunity to work with many well-known photographers, models, makeup artists and brands. “Working with Luis also gave me the opportunity to work with photographers like Christopher Wadsworth, Nadia Cheema, and Stephen M. Loban.” Hartman also got the chance to work with models Dervla and Krystal Reeve, as well as Canadian makeup artist Marcia Garnes. Hartman’s success working with fashion industry
professionals has led her to have a list of some fantastic clients of her own. One of her clients include a Toronto-based company Del Rey & Co. which produces classic and 3D sunglasses company. Impressively, she also worked for Nintendo at Comic-Con 2011 in New York City. “I styled video game characters for a game launch and movie premiere. That satisfied the nerd in me.” The world of styling, like every other part of the fashion world, is not without misconceptions. Hartman admits that it is anything but easy to be a stylist. “Being responsible for creating looks takes an extreme amount of planning, preparation, hard work and execution.” And these elements, along with Hartman’s love for fashion, are exuberant in her creative work. Originality and individuality are the aims for many fashion stylists, including Hartman. “I think stylists create looks that people want to emulate. Some become trends.” However she admits that there is nothing wrong with drawing on certain trends when trying to achieve a certain era. “Wanting to get somewhere and have people find my work compelling I try to be original but it’s about the vision of the project.” While she believes that it is good to infuse some of her own personal style, the key is to always be aware of what the client wants.
Hartman finds that the process of putting together pieces for a specific shoot can be lengthy depending on who the client is and what they are looking for. “Brainstorming with the client is imperative to achieve their vision. It is also important to build relationships with merchants and local designers.” From there stylists are free to use their space like a personal closet. Hartman makes multiple trips to designers, taking more than what she may need because one can never have enough accessories for a shoot. When styling an editorial or for a client, Hartman maintains an ‘anything goes’ sort of attitude with a hint of originality. Hartman believes that originality and individuality in the work of an artist, especially a stylist, comes from personal experience. That’s what keeps her story different from others. “My story will never be the same as anyone else.” It’s this personal experience that gives a designer or stylist the edge over others. While Hartman defines great style to be completely subjective, for her personality is what makes style. And personality is exactly what this obsessive lover of Kidrobot’s Munny dolls has. “I love the juxtaposition of modern and vintage fabrics, cuts and colours.” When asked about her favourite designer, she found picking just one very difficult. “That’s like picking your favourite child!” she claims. However, she manages to narrow it down to three very different designers: Alexander McQueen for his style and detailed garments; Jeremy Scott for his loud, in your face, sense of style; and Gwen Stefani with whom Hartman dreams of collaborating with in the future. She has always been a big fan of hers and as a young woman relates to her. “[Stefani] is not just a celebrity with a clothing line. She is the brand. The contrast of classic Hollywood glam with street influence. She is an old soul with a modern vibe.” Hartman’s love for fashion stems from the opportunity it gives people to express themselves whether they are aware of it or not. “I think people are looking for an escape from the everyday; film and photography offer a look at another world and can make you feel apart of it. It’s about fantasy! Like getting lost in the pages of a good book, I get lost in the pages of Vogue.”
Growing up in Guelph, Hartman love for fashion and styling had her spending most of her nights in Toronto due to work. That’s what prompted her move to the city. She believes that Torontonians are adventurous with their personal style. “Men dress incredibly well (for the most part), women dress to impress and I’m constantly influenced by my surroundings.” Hartman attributes the increasing popularity of street style to The Sartorialist’s photographer and blogger Scott Schuman. “Street style has always influenced designers and I think the same can be said for stylists.” If Hartman sees someone on the street with a look that inspires her, she takes note of the look for future references. When asked if she could define Toronto’s fashion style, Hartman was at a loss for words. “No definition. It’s diverse. It’s colorful. Torontonians are great at mixing and matching vintage or low-end with high-end luxury items.” Hartman believes that because the city is becoming so much more economically powerful, people are recognizing now more than ever before what Toronto has to offer. Rather than having any downfalls from being a stylist in Toronto, Hartman has had more opportunities living here. She finds that Toronto’s fashion industry is constantly growing and she is nothing but proud to live in the city. “It can’t hurt having talented designers like Dean and Dan Caten paying homage to their Canadian roots in collections.” Canadian-based brand Chloé Comme Parris is beginning to make a real name for itself in the world of fashion. “Sisters Chloé and Parris Gordon have been polishing up their collection and showcasing beautiful wearable clothing and accessories.” But where there is recognition of Toronto’s bustling fashion industry, Hartman is patiently waiting for other international collections and designers to reach Toronto’s market. In the meanwhile, Hartman believes that whether you are a designer or a stylist, it is important to be humble and to put one’s ego aside when starting out. It is important to work well with a variety of different designers and to learn something different from each experience. “If you can appreciate others for what they have to offer, not what they don’t, you’re ahead of the game.”
VAMP An
Ashley Hartman Presentation photographed by TheSupermaniak photography assistance by Jake MacDougall styling by Ashley Hartman hair & makeup by Steph George modeling by Baily A. Abercrombie
JEYA SINGH Sarah St. Jules
“All women are beautiful, we shouldn’t compare ourselves to another but rather celebrate our differences.” Jeya Singh always had a passion for makeup and bringing out the inner beauty in other people. As a child, she would apply makeup to her dolls, but it was her older sisters who really inspired her. “[They] were MAC addicts. There was just something about the vibrant colors and sleek black packaging.” Jeya started out by going to school for business and she worked at a financial company. However, like many creative people, her nine-to-five job quickly bored her. She always had an interest in the arts, and after meeting a makeup artist, she realized she had to switch her career to something she always wanted. Jeya went to George Brown Yorkville School of Makeup and Esthetics which, combined with her natural talent, helped her to become a makeup artist. A freelancer for four years, she has worked for prestigious companies such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Estee Lauder. She also offers services such as beauty, fashion, airbrushing and special effects. This side of her work has taken her to fashion shows, photo shoots, weddings and music videos. Jeya was also selected to be one of ten makeup artist that travelled to Puerto Rico as part of an all star team. She was the only Canadian selected along with people from New York, Florida and Atlanta. “It was an amazing experience. I learned a
lot working from the team in terms of work ethic, passion, speed and efficiency. Watching the models, photographer, stylist and lead makeup artist work was inspiring.” Being inspired is extremely important for an artist, regardless of the canvas used. Jeya draws her inspirations from almost anything: music, photography, fashion, architecture, movies , paintings. “I could be on the road and spot a location and be inspired to go back and shoot there.” However, it is her family’s love that helps motivate her to work even harder. The artistic side of the makeup industry is what she likes best. It is also very important that her work isn’t boring, which is another reason why she loves the industry. “I like variety, I could never get bored. One day I could do a wedding, the next a fashion editorial… and so on. Every project is different and every team is different.” Jeya is also incredibly honest when it comes to any potential drawbacks to the career she has chosen. The nature of the fashion industry is such that many people expect you to work incredibly hard for little or no money. Also, people not involved in the industry usually have the misconception that working in the industry is easy and glamorous.
According to Jeya, this misunderstanding could not be further from the truth. “There are a lot of long hours and sacrifice, sometimes working in harsh environments and battling the elements.” On many occasions, makeup artists have to hold down full or part time jobs in order to pay their bills. However, Jeya firmly believes that “in the end it’s all worth it when you love what you do.” It is every artist’s dream to work with big name celebrities. And for Jeya, it’s no different. Her dream clients vary from Toronto music star Melanie Fiona, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai to supermodels Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha. Even though all these women are incredibly beautiful, Jeya doesn’t have a cookie cutter definition of what makes someone beautiful. Coming from a multicultural city like Toronto and a multicultural family, she has seen many different ways to be beautiful. “All women are beautiful, we shouldn’t compare ourselves to another but rather celebrate our differences.” This mantra is an amazing view towards beauty. Jeya also takes inspiration from people and companies within her own field. “I admire and follow the work of Pat Magrath, Sam Fine, Scott Barnes, Kevyn Aucoin and Estee Lauder for building a makeup empire.” As an accomplished artist, Jeya has many different tips on how to do makeup. Her main ‘go-to’ look is “red lips! It’s classic and sexy. If you find the right shade for your skin tone you’ll turn heads anytime.” She also thinks that all women should have a tinted moisturizer with SPF, an eye shadow quad, eyeliner, mascara, blush (or bronze) and a nude or pink gloss in their daily makeup bag. Simple and classic pieces of makeup like these are easy for women to put on in the morning to brighten their look. Another great hint from Jeya is all about eyebrows. “Make sure your eyebrows are done and have a good shape. Fill in your brows if necessary. They frame your face and are so important.” Jeya has a lot of experience working on fashion
shoots and preparing models to have their pictures taken and she knows that she must have quality brushes and a fully stocked makeup kit at all times, ready to go. The makeup she uses is also very important to her overall success. “I am sponsored by Whiplash Cosmetics so I do use their line primarily. They have great eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks and mascara. I also use MAC, Smashbox, Makeup Forever and Cinema Secrets.” Even though Jeya keeps a professional makeup kit, it takes a keen eye to determine what makeup should be used on each individual. In order to make sure the model looks her best, Jeya assesses the face, the skin and the shape. She analyzes the features in order to determine any corrective techniques that she may need to use. Jeya also takes inspiration for each look based on the theme of the shoot. “It all needs to make sense. Sometimes I’m asked for something specific [with regards to the theme of the shoot] and sometimes I have more freedom.” She also relies on the team that she is working with and the music on the set to keep her energy level high. Since a photo shoot can take many hours, she needs to keep focused and enthusiastic the entire time. Currently, Jeya has the cover of Maxin Espanol and is travelling between Toronto and New York. As far as other projects go, makeup is what she wakes up for. “For now makeup is my main focus, I plan to take it as far as I can. I have many goals to achieve. In the future, when I’m ready, I would love to teach and pass on my knowledge.” It is exciting that a Toronto based makeup artist is receiving the incredible recognition that Jeya is. She is a part of a new wave of members of the Toronto fashion industry that are not only making a name for themselves, but also helping put Toronto on the fashion map.
Jeya Singh
smoke & mirrors presents
photographed by Polk Liang hair & makeup by Jeya Singh [Whiplash Cosmetics] styling by Tasha Farington modeling by Kelleth Cuthbert wardrobe by Celeb Boutique jewelry by Cocoa Jewelry
ERIN MOLLY FITZPATRICK Jaskirat Gebi
“There must be content driven aspect to every shoot; a photograph without language to me is empty.” A 1995 issue of Rolling Stone sparked the young thirteen year old Erin Fitzpatrick’s interest in photography. By the age of sixteen, she was already assisting on photo shoots and at eighteen, she started her own business. Soon after realizing her passion, Erin began her studies at the Alberta Institute of Technology in Journalism. She graduated with a major in Writing, Print Media and Design in 2004. Working as a freelancer in commercial and lifestyle photography, she enrolled in School of Photographic Arts in 2008. With her education taken care of, she has since made the big move to Toronto in order to pursue her dreams. Although she mostly works in fashion and portraiture, she doesn’t constrict herself to one genre. Having had experience in fine art photography, she also exhibits her work. Her love for documenting still life and her journalism background is a prominent part of her photography. Her photographic process is planned and pre-visualized frame by frame. Erin says, “There must be a content driven aspect to every shoot; a photograph without language to me is empty.” The rest comes after deciding the subject. A set that correlates with it, the camera, and the film. Then it’s all about putting it together and directing the subject to do the proper actions in order to achieve her vision. Erin shoots her photographs in analogue with a medium format camera. It is after the fact where she goes into a digital darkroom for the post production. Instead of recreating the effects of either a Polaroid or wet plate negative in Photoshop, she believes in the original capturing method. She avoids using digital photography in her personal projects, but does use it in her commercial work. Erin’s drive for photography feeds her passion for it all. She takes joy in the whole process of creating a photograph. From the essays to the actual capturing of the image. The control over the subject to translate her thoughts into visual language is her driving force. The creative aspect that she is the sole creator of an image is what drives her inspiration and gives her joy. Erin feels most herself when photographing.
“You need to know how to interpret your vision through your medium or else you’re just someone with a lot of ideas waiting on a series of happy accidents.” For Erin, photography is important because it is what creates a visual documentation of our interpretation of the world. In fashion, she believes it doesn’t just help us document the trends but also feelings and lifestyle that flows throughout the seasons. To be a good fashion photographer, she believes that one has to apply elements of other photographic genres in order to get a piece of work that is set out in the market. Her style of photography as she describes is very formal with a contemporary view. Erin’s most important part of a photograph is a plan. Which is why her philosophy is to have a concrete vision with the technique and skill to back it up. “You need to know how to interpret your vision through your medium or else you’re just someone with a lot of ideas waiting on a series of happy accidents. Good work may come through ‘oosping the moment’ but shooting with intention and knowing what actually made that surprise frame is key if you would like to create it again.” Erin’s fascination with form and how she can manipulate it is what is relevant in a lot of her work. Creating great juxtapositions, she manipulates her subjects to become something they aren’t. “I enjoy pushing everything out of context making my subjects boarder on the hyper real.” Her surrealist approach to her photography is what gives her an edge. Especially her style to make her photographs looks almost hand drawn. In the competitive field of fashion photography, it’s her use of different techniques that brings together an image that sets it apart from anyone else which gives her an advantage in the field. Already having branched out in the US, Erin hopes to achieve more projects to show her photographic skills there. Her mentors being Michael Tardioli and Angelina McComick under whom she studied under at School of Photographic Arts Ottawa (SPAO). Erin’s self discovery and true growth in the art was at SPAO under the professors and mentors she worked with. To the future generation of photographers she says to never stop asking questions or trying to develop new techniques in order to achieve an image.
“Toronto is an epicenter of creative people and outlets in many creative industries.” Following the fashion scene in Toronto, Erin believes that Adrien Wu and model Hereith are two people to watch. “I am looking forward to seeing what unique view they will bring this next season.” As a fashion photographer, she follows the trends in order to know what her customer might look for in a photograph. Although, at the same time, believing that it is important to hone your own style in order to be different and stand out. Having a narrative for a photo shoot is one of the most important parts for her. In order to achieve a high end result, a strong narrative is needed. To Erin this is what sets any photograph apart from the ordinary. Fashion photography is a great motivator for her as it gives her obstructions to work with and restraints. In order to come over this challenge, she pushes herself to focus on one idea to which the rest follow. She believes that minimal images have the most impact and are powerful. Since they are refined and well thought out this is perfectly Erin Fitpatrick. As she describes it, “Toronto is an epicenter of creative people and outlets in many creative industries.” The exciting buzz the city has is a great motivation to her work. This growing multicultural city has fueled her many inspirations. To Erin photography can be a business and an art form. It is all business, the art, fashion and commercial work she does. Although since fashion is an art form, she tries to very much make her work something pleasurable to look at. Being able to combine fine art and fashion is Erin’s life ambition. Working in all aspects of fashion photography can be a little overwhelming. She, like all other fashionistas, finds it hard to find the balance between personal life and work. Between the shoot, post production and networking it can be hard to squeeze in some ‘me’ time. Currently putting together pieces that she’s been working on from Sienna, Italy which she took last fall. She is also working on a series of portraits of professional chefs. Erin has also been shooting athletes for the past year. Clearly we’ve got a lot to look forward to. To keep up with all this visit her website at www.erinfitzpatric.ca and read her online magazine called Vestirsi.
nigel hamid’s
TorontoVerve NOT JUST ANOTHER STREET STYLE BLOG Brian Henderson
nigel hamid Armed with an SLR and an eye for fashion, Nigel Hamid is a visual storyteller by hobby. Nigel uses his SLR to freeze stylish Torontonians, using as background real, unaltered impressions of Toronto places everybody visits every day, the streets where people live, the subway. Blurbs and quotes describe his characters who, exuberant with attitude, emotion, and passion, are handpicked within the fashionably eclectic city of Toronto. Showcasing streetswag from Queen West to Kensington Market, from Yorkville to Cabbagetown, Nigel definitely manages to create a lively, spontaneous, and genuine feel to his image narratives. It is a complete emulation of street style. Without the work of Nigel Hamid these moments in which a certain person, on a certain street, at a certain time, is captured, could be lost forever. He has become the eyes of the vibrant nuances of Toronto’s street-fashion, capturing a certain mood in a fraction of a second and sharing them on his photography blog TorontoVerve. We got the chance to interview the talented streetphotographer and this is how it went.
background Where did your hobby of photography begin? When I was a kid, my mother always wanted me to develop my artistic abilities. I loved painting and drawing. I even wrote and drew my own comic books and sold copies to my classmates. Later, as a teenager, I stopped painting and drawing because I simply wasn’t motivated to create anymore, but every now and then -- to this day, I pick up a pencil and paper to see if I still possess the talent and I’m thrilled to see I do. Photography came much later. Mainly because I couldn’t afford a camera when I was a kid. I didn’t buy my first camera until I was in my 30’s. It was a point-and-shoot and I used it infrequently. In 2008, I eventually replaced it with an SLR and that’s when my love for photography really began. With a point-and-shoot, the camera does all the work, but with an SLR, you have more control over creating the image. Instead of just photographing family gatherings and group events, I wanted to tell a story through images and doing that became my new hobby. Do you have any formal education in photography or fashion? Besides taking courses to better navigate through my camera and learn lighting techniques, I have no formal training in photography. I taught myself the basics, which has helped me produce photos that I’m proud of. I also don’t have any training in fashion, but I was always fascinated with it since watching Fashion Television as a kid. I don’t pretend to know fashion, but I know what catches my eye and if it grabs my attention, I want to photograph it. Has fashion always been the focus of your photography? No, for a short time, I dabbled in stock photography. I shot rusted barb wire, cows, bird houses and farm houses, but my heart wasn’t into it and like other things that didn’t motivate me, I moved on. Is your work in photography and fashion strictly for your blog? I’m really motivated to create a style blog that appeals to the masses but also satisfies my creative quest. So right now, everything I do photography-wise is devoted to the blog.
inspiration What inspired you to take photography on as a second profession? Photography is strictly something I do for pleasure. It gives me that creative outlet that I’m currently looking for. What inspired me to start TorontoVerve was seeing Scott Schuman’s fabulous street style work on his blog, The Sartorialist. For a long time, my partner, Dorothy, wanted me to check his site out because she knew it would be up my alley. She was right. I was instantly attracted to the concept of photographing people’s street style and thought I could do something similar that would showcase Toronto and its people, but that was easier said than done. At first, I didn’t have the courage asking people to photograph them. Dorothy initially assisted me, but I eventually grew more comfortable with the idea of approaching people myself - even in large groups. Who are your greatest influences in fashion and photography? I’ve never been obsessed with fashion labels - probably because I couldn’t afford to buy the big brands when I was younger. Today, I’m still not influenced by any particular style. I’ll wear whatever speaks to me and best describes my personality. That could be a well-tailored suit, a pair of jeans or weathered combat boots. In photography, I’ve always been mesmerized by the work of Herb Ritts and Annie Lebowitz. I loved their Vanity Fair photos and studied every detail and action. Little did I know when I was younger that their work would inspire me and my photography as an adult. When I do a creative shoot, I often draw from those feelings I felt when looking at their pictures to inspire me. How does Toronto fashion and culture influence you? Since starting TorontoVerve, I like to think that my fashion tastes have grown. In the beginning, I predominately wore dark and uninspiring styles. I wouldn’t take any risks on clothes if it meant that people would stare at me. I guess you can say I was a fashion conformist. After nearly 3 years of photographing over a thousand different street styles, I can confidently step out of my comfort zone and make whatever bold fashion statement I want. I’m not so concerned by what other people might think anymore. Looking like everyone else is dull, and I can honestly say that I didn’t come to that conclusion until TorontoVerve came along.
inspiration Is there certain areas of the city where you specifically seek out “street fashion”? The hot spots are Yorkville, Bloor West, Kensington Market and Queen Street West. When I want to shoot street style quickly, those neighbourhoods never disappoint. When I have plenty of time and patience, I like to venture out to the Annex, Liberty Village, Forest Hill, Leslieville, King Street West or Roncesvalles where it can be a challenge to find street style. My least favourite thing to do in this process is the ‘looking’. Sometimes I’ve searched for street style for several hours and came back with nothing. Those are the days - especially in winter - when I ask myself ‘why do I bother?’ But I love meeting people and creating something beautiful with them in a matter of minutes - sometimes seconds. I really love the creative rush. I guess that’s why I endure the not-so fun parts. How do you select “models” used in your street photography? Do you just see someone wearing something inspiring/stylish on the street or are your photographs choreographed with fashionable Torontonians? On occasion, I’ll do a creative shoot with some of the fashionable and talented people I meet on the streets, but for the most part, the street style that appears on my site was captured spontaneously. I select my subjects either by what they’re wearing or doing. And they don’t have to be wearing expensive clothing either. They could be wearing torn jeans and a tank top, but if they got a cool attitude or exude extreme confidence, I’ll ask to photograph them. I really want to capture as many different styles as possible. Not everyone is inspired by haute couture or business chic. There’s equally an audience for hipster or grunge street fashion - not to mention bikes, cool hair, tattoos and pets, which are also featured on the site.
FASHION SERIES
personal style How would you describe your personal style? At work, I can either be business professional or casual. In leisure, I’d rather wear straight-cut jeans, slim-fitted dress shirts and my Frye boots. My style is currently a work in progress. I plan on experimenting in vintage and bold styles soon. Maybe I’ll have a different answer for you next year. Do you ever get inspired by the ‘street-style’ found in your own photography to incorporate new pieces into your wardrobe? Seeing how passionate people are about their fashion has inspired me to put a lot more effort in what I’m wearing and not be afraid to stand out in the crowd. Thanks to TorontoVerve, the first thing to change in my wardrobe was colour. Today, I’m more drawn to bright colours or interesting patterns. Where in the city are your favourite hotspots to shop? When I’m in the mood to shop, Queen Street West is my favourite place to shop. I haven’t treated myself in a while with a new wardrobe, but when I do, I plan on checking out the vintage stores in Parkdale. Is there any magazines, websites, or brands that influence your style? Not at all. So far, street style is my only inspiration.
career Being a creative person and talented photographer what made you pursue a career in banking? After university, I needed a job to pay the bills. As much as I wanted a creative job, that didn’t happen. I never thought I could make a living in banking. I remember my first day 14 years ago, I was given a tour on the floor and I was intimidated seeing all the busy people working hard at their desks. I asked myself, “what am I doing?” But I figured I’ll do it until someone padded me on the shoulder and said “well, we gave it a try, but it just didn’t work out. Best of luck to you.” I’m pleased to report that didn’t happen and today I’m very happy managing my Cash Management team. Would you ever consider working as a photographer within the fashion industry as a full time career rather than a hobby/2nd profession? I’ve never dreamed of becoming a fashion photographer and it’s not something I aspire to do. Right now, I’m fulfilled with my career in banking and doing what I’m doing for the blog. What has been your greatest success thus far as a photographer and fashion blogger? Success for me is all the positive feedback that I’m getting from people all over the globe. Nothing is more rewarding than having followers from Germany, Japan, the United States, France and Poland. That’s all I was looking for when I started TorontoVerve - to inspire someone on the other side of the world with Toronto street style. How do you divide your time between photography, blogging and your career as a banker? Most of my photography is shot on the weekends and occasionally after work hours during weekdays. I carry my camera wherever I go so I can take advantage of those spontaneous photo ops. What future goals have you yet to achieve and is there any future endeavors you wish to pursue? My goal is to gain a broader audience for the blog and I’m happy to see that’s happening. I hope to gain an even greater audience with more creative shoots, engaging interviews, and celebrity photos and film reviews with the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival. Next year, we’re planning a trip to Stockholm, Sweden. So who knows? Maybe you’ll see some Stockholm Street Style appear on TorontoVerve.
Cristofer Carrado Sarah St. Jules
“Fashion is art on the human body. It’s taking a concept, translating it, cutting it up and covering the human body - which is already a piece of art - and accentuating that beauty.” Raised by a mother who was a model and a grandma who was a seamstress, designing beautiful clothing was in Cris Carrado’s blood. When he was younger, his family did not have a lot of money and had to make their own clothing, which gave him the basics on how to create pieces of art out of simple materials. Even at an early age Cris was an entrepreneur. While working as a club promoter at fifteen, it was the thrill of the club atmosphere and energy that prompted him to start designing. At sixteen, he had his first fashion show at the Palazzo. He still clearly remembers the first article of clothing he designed, “it was a jean top, just a piece of fabric that I got and I sewed in strings. It was fabric on top and the back was laced. I had to go through a few different trials to get the lace, but when it came out it was nice.” After his first fashion show, Cris moved on to pursue the marketing side of the industry. He worked for many exclusive companies such as Diesel, L’Oreal and Armani, assisting them with creating campaigns. He attributes this marketing background to really being able to understand his target market. He believes it is essential to have a marketing awareness when designing,
“creating a product is one thing, creating a strategic product is another thing. My background in marketing has given me the ability to see what is successful and what isn’t. This all goes into my creative process.” Even though Cris believes that it is an asset to anticipate what your customers are looking for, he still feels that a designer’s ability to go outside the box is what will ultimately make someone unique and will bring customers back for more. His unique skill of delivering what a customer is looking for is translated into the way he views fashion. He uses his clothing to help bring out the beauty in each person. “Fashion is art on the human body. It’s taking a concept, translating it, cutting it up and covering the human body - which is already a piece of art - and accentuating that beauty.” As well as being a successful designer Cris is also a very philosophical person, which is demonstrated in his collection ‘The 7 Keys to Divinity’. The 7 Keys to Divinity is a collection of t-shirts with a variety of symbols that each person can tap into in order to create the lifestyle that they hope to live.
“I wanted to create beautiful clothing, but I also wanted to do something deeper than that. Life is deeper than that.’ While one of the 7 Keys, the Heart of Gold, represents unconditional love, another, the Sword of Truth represents cutting through illusions to the truth. These keys along with Carrado’s complete collection is designed to be a constant reminder of the energies one wishes to bring to themselves when wearing the line. Cris came up with this concept on the back of a tragedy he faced. Being a cancer survivor, he had a scare when he believed his cancer had returned. He spent some time soul searching for what it was he wanted to do with his life and he realized his true passion was in design. It was at this time that he came up with the concept of the 7 Keys to Divinity. “I wanted to do something inspirational. I wanted to create beautiful clothing, but I also wanted to do something deeper than that. Life is deeper than that.’ He connected the 7 keys to his own belief system and he jumped on a plane to China where he spent the next six months learning all about fabrics from some of the best manufacturers in the world.
The 7 Keys to Divinity was a huge success in Canada. Cris released his collection in nine stores in Ontario and four in Vancouver, and it sold out in two months. On the heels of this success, he has just expanded into the United States. He is currently living in Orlando, Florida where he is waiting to release the 7 Keys to Divinity by the summer of 2013. His next collection will be ‘Army of light’ which he describes as “a sci-fi Armageddon collection.” Toronto is still a very important place to Cris. His love for the city was demonstrated with the use of the skyline of Toronto as one of his 7 Keys “The City”. In his designs he still takes inspiration from Toronto and the unique collaboration of style that Toronto represents. “When it comes to style, Torontonians have some amazing style. I think after living all over, Vancouver, Orlando, China, Toronto, with its culture, has a unique culture and its fashion is represented in it. Toronto is so unique and I try to reflect that in my designs.”
“When you’re passionate about what you do, it reflects determination.” Not only does he think the citizens of Toronto are incredibly stylish but also, that it is about time that other fashion capitals gave the city its recognition. Cris is also a big supporter of untapped talent in Toronto. In 2011, he was one of the founders of the Toronto Image Awards, which allowed makeup artists, photographers, models, hair stylists and designers to showcase their work and get their name out in the industry. Since Cris has spent most of this year in Orlando, there isn’t a set date for the next Toronto Image Awards, but he is hopeful that it may happen in the later part of this year. He did say that he is optimistically launching the Image Awards in the United States. It is evident that it is important to him to help people starting out in the fashion industry. Cris has now been approached with the idea of adapting the Toronto Image Awards into a television show. However, this idea is still in the beginning phases of production.
After all of Cris’ experiences, he still feels the most important thing for up and coming designers to have is passion. Being in the fashion industry is not easy, but if it is truly what someone wants, then they need to fight for their spot. There were many times through his career when Cris felt like he wanted to do something else, but he knew that deep down he wanted to be a designer, and that is why he kept coming back to that career. “When you’re passionate about what you do it reflects determination. It can have a big payoff, you need some sacrifice. If you really want to be a designer you have to go beyond the box.” Cris also recognizes that it takes years of effort to be at the top of his game. “It will probably be about 10 years before I become big time, like a celebrity.”
Cristofer Carrado
Peace & Truth presents
photographed by Janie Robles makeup by Jenn Rose, Leanna DaCunha, Raman Dhillon & Samantha Gaudet direction by Kinga Varga modeling by Michael Wilcox & Ronnie Flynn
FELICIA ATANASIU
Art always came naturally to Toronto-based illustrator Felicia Atanasiu. That’s why the creative mind, born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, pursued a career in illustration upon her move to Canada in 2001. She delved into studying fine arts at the Toronto School of Art and completed her Bachelor of Design degree in Illustration from Ontario College of Arts & Design (OCAD). Now creating illustrative art that is full of emotions, vibrant colours and, to say the least, simply beautiful, Felicia’s evident artistic and intuitive abilities have helped her uncover her style to gain the success she has attained as an illustrator. While Felicia’s friends and family were always the first to appreciate her passion for art, post-graduation Felicia began gaining recognition for her talents on a professional level. As she started to show her portfolio, her work quickly took notice. It was not just one of her captivating pieces, but the combination of her intricately designed illustrations that made her stand out among other artists. During her five year career as an illustrator, she has had the opportunity to work with a number of editorial clients. Her art has been featured in magazines, online stores, galleries, t-shirts and blogs. However, Felicia is happiest when her friends show support for her talent. “The best illustrations get featured on my friends’ walls, and I love it.”
As an artist, Felicia feels inspired by all sorts of things. “I don’t think that there is shortage of inspiration.” Felicia is attracted to anything that provokes emotion. “I look for feelings, so whatever triggers them I will look for!” Living in Toronto, she believes, inspires her work “by allowing [her] to explore who [she is].” Toronto has a great multicultural scene that she loves. Being raised in Romania, the greatest influences from her adolescence are European art and architecture. Her Romanian background works on a subconscious level, often finding its way into her illustrations, which, inspired by Romanian folklore, are embedded with patterns, bright colours, and the colour red. “There is a dark side to me and my work that comes from the post-communist society I was brought up in.” However, as a lover of all art, she loves black and white photography and relates most with the post industrial revolution art and design. Self-described as a ‘hippie-at-heart’, Felicia also loves all kinds of music, especially 60’s and 70s, which is a huge source of inspiration for her. With the intricately detailed garments in Felicia’s illustrations, one has to wonder how influences from fashion have inspired her illustrations. While Felicia enjoys flipping through avant-garde fashion magazines and independent sources with few advertisements, this imaginative artist finds fashion to be overrated and needs a little more than just looking at fashion to inspire her. “In a technological driven culture it is very rare to find something that a machine hasn’t touched, and weirdly enough, today that is called luxury fashion.” Still, commending the craftsmanship that goes in major fashion houses especially the haute couture collections, certain aspects of fashion do inspire Felicia. “I suppose the area that inspires me the most from fashion is the culture and historical influences behind a collection.” Amidst this, there’s also an admiration for the poise and attitude associated with fashion. “I like the powerful attitude that comes with wearing certain garments.”
In this day and age, it seems that to be an artist there needs to be a struggle. As a freelance artist, Felicia has some that she addresses. The difficulties Felicia is facing is translating her skills to the business world. “Although I am learning every day, like most artists, I find it very challenging.” Of course, there’s also the issue of being undervalued as an artist. While Felicia’s success is quite visible in the quality of her creations, published work and awards, she has realized that getting equally paid for the work you produce can be somewhat of a challenge to accomplish. And for her, that translates into an unsecure future. “I guess art is not a priority on the work force. It is a luxury that most people want, but can’t or don’t want to pay for. So that leaves us artists with a very fragile future.” That is not to say that Felicia has accepted defeat. On measuring her greatest success, Felicia walks us through her definition of the word and how it has changed for her over time. “Success has many definitions, depending on the end goal.” She explains how her initial goal – and initial definition of success as an artist - was to combine being an artist with being equally paid for the work she does. When this didn’t happen, she had to change her view of success. “At the end of the day, we have to redefine success, and find a definition that makes us happy.” Although a career in art does not always pay in acceptable dollars, for Felicia, it does pay to be appreciated by friends, family and the professional world. “Accepting being an artist is a success in its own way and I have managed to accomplish that.” While she has had some highlights in her career, Felicia believes that her success really depends upon how far she can push herself to go as an artist. “An art career can’t be measured in few years, and it takes a whole lot of time to have the longevity that true art deserves.” That’s why she advices upcoming artists to work hard and not give up.
To create her beautiful illustrations, Felicia uses a mixed media of pencils, acrylics, inks, sometimes collage, and digital. However, she “prefer[s] pencils, perhaps because of its genuine nature.” Colour is a large part of what makes her illustrations so eye catching. And lately, she has been using acrylics more. “I love the colours I get from them”. Whatever medium Felicia uses, her illustrations are always a complete capture of emotion and details, each piece telling a unique story. The amount of time she spends on an illustration mostly depends upon the end use of the creation. If it is for a client, she typically spends about 2 days on a creation because of deadlines. Felicia feels that even if she wants to make the art perfect she can’t because of time restrictions. For personal work, she’s able to dedicate the time the illustration requires. “I like to take my time and render everything carefully, [which takes more time] but it pays off, in spiritual rewards”. While Felicia doesn’t have any specific training in fashion, many of the illustrations she creates have an almost parallel vibe to major fashion illustrators. The detail in line, colour and design are found throughout the fashion industry and even more so in Felicia’s creations. The strong use of patterns and layering in her mixed-media style bare strong resemblance to illustrations found in design catalogues, as well as avant-garde magazines. Felicia could see herself working within the fashion industry as a graphic artist; perhaps using her illustrations for graphic t-shirts, which she already has, or being the inspiration behind a collection.